Abstract
Abstract Semi-arid regions are characterized by high evapotranspiration and low rainfall, favoring the accumulation of salts when irrigated with brackish water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pearl millet cultivation with brackish water levels and fertilized with organic fertilizer on the chemical and physical properties of the soil. A split plot randomized block design was adopted, in a factorial arrangement, with three repetitions. Plots consisted of four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% crop evapotranspiration) and subplots consisted of four levels of organic fertilizer (0; 15; 30 and 45 Mg ha-1). At the end of the pearl millet production cycle, soil was collected from layers 0-0.20 m and 0.20-0.40 m, for physical (soil bulk density, particle density and porosity) and chemical (EC, pH, K, Na, Ca, Mg, H + Al, SB, CEC, V) properties. There was no effect of interaction of brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels on soil chemical properties. Brackish water reduced potassium on layer 0.20-0.40 m. A negative linear effect was found for density in the 0.20-0.40 m layer under different levels of organic fertilizer. Brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels in the cultivation of pearl millet does not alter soil chemical and physical properties at the 0-0.20 m layer. However, the use of brackish water reduces the concentration of potassium in the soil and the application of organic fertilizer reduces soil density at the 0.20-0.40 m layer.
Highlights
The Brazilian Northeast has 70% included in the semi-arid region[1]
There was no effect of interaction of brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels on soil chemical properties (P > 0.05; Table 3)
There was no isolated effect of brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels on soil chemical properties in the 0-20 m layer under pearl millet cultivation (P > 0.05; Table 3)
Summary
The Brazilian Northeast has 70% included in the semi-arid region[1]. This region is characterized by poor distribution of rainfall and high evaporation rates. Due to these characteristics and the scarce rainfall, water sources are considered insufficient in these regions[2]. Despite high levels of soluble salts in water resources in semi-arid regions, in the absence of other sources, brackish and saline water represent the only alternative to be used by farmers both for irrigation and for watering herds[3]. Soils in the semi-arid region contain high level of sodium, favoring sodium solubilization in groundwater[4]. Increasing concentrations of salts and exchangeable sodium in the soil can cause soil infertility, increasing susceptibility to erosion, in addition to the contamination of underground water reserves and groundwater[8]
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